National championship 2019: Watch as Clemson strikes first with thunderous pick-six of Tua Tagovailoa

The Tigers' defense got the scoring going early despite its offense opening three-and-out

Tua Tagovailoa entered the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night having only thrown four interceptions on the season, but the fifth for No. 1 Alabama's star quarterback came early and was extremely costly. After forcing a quick three-and-out on defense to open the game, the Alabama offense took over, and after picking up a quick first down, Tagovailoa went to his left looking for a screen.

That's when No. 2 Clemson defensive back A.J. Terrell recognized the play early and made a house call to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. It's only the 11th interception the Clemson defense has made this season and only the second pick-six. It was Terrell's third interception of the year, giving him the team lead.

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Tom Fornelli has been a college football writer at CBS Sports since 2010. During his time at CBS, Tom has proven time and again that he hates your favorite team and thinks your rival is a paragon of football...
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